Yay for 80th Birthday Parties

A woman I don't know is turning 80 next week. Her kids are throwing her a birthday party and invited everyone special to this woman. One of the invitees is a good friend of mine who moved to Colorado to follow her dream of owning a beautiful home with loads of property on a mountain and leading a small town, quiet, stress-free life. Annie moved 1.5 years ago and loves her life- "like being on vacation every day," she says- and therefore has not felt compelled to come back to town. Until now. Thanks to the woman turning 80 and her subsequent birthday bash, arrives in Chicago Friday morning and I am charged with organizing a big lunch outing with all of our good mutual friends. Cannot wait!